🔧 THE FOUNDATION TRANSFORMATION

In this compelling episode of "Under the Hood: Automotive Storytelling"—the only podcast examining mobility through the lens of storytelling—we sit down with Stef Balkowiec, Co-Founder of GraphDome and former Managing Director at Cosworth Electronics, to uncover what happens when a technical founder puts their company presentation through real scrutiny. This isn't a theoretical discussion about pitch decks—it's the actual behind-the-scenes journey of transforming a technology-heavy presentation into a positioning-driven story that opens doors.

🎯 KEY INSIGHTS

Technology vs. Trust: The Founder's Blind Spot

Stef reveals how his 60 years of combined expertise was buried at the end of his deck—and why technical founders consistently prioritize what they find interesting over what audiences need first. Discover why credibility must lead, not follow.

The "How Does It Make You Feel?" Framework

Learn how Stef rebuilt his entire deck from scratch by focusing on audience transformation rather than technical features. From vector databases and graph ontology to productivity gains and cost reduction—same technology, completely different story.

Positioning: The Product Behind Your Presentation

Stef spent weeks—not hours—repositioning GraphDome, ultimately realizing that the company presentation isn't just slides. It's the output of a rigorous positioning process that defines why you exist, who should care, and what differentiates you from both competitors and apathy.

💡 PRACTICAL TAKEAWAYS

• Front-load credibility within the first 2 minutes: Move your experience and track record to the opening slides so decision-makers trust you before evaluating your technology
• Apply the Red Bull test to your value proposition: If you're describing features instead of transformation (wings, not thirst-quenching), your positioning needs work
• Budget one full week to rebuild your deck after positioning clarity: Stef's transformation required complete reconstruction, pushing all technical schematics to the appendix
• Seek safe-environment feedback before high-stakes presentations: The Evergreen process revealed blind spots Stef couldn't see after months of internal iterations

🌟 ABOUT YOUR GUIDE

Stef Balkowiec brings over 30 years of experience bridging motorsport and automotive technology innovation. As former Managing Director of Cosworth Electronics, he was instrumental in advancing software-defined vehicle architectures in high-performance environments. Now as Co-Founder of GraphDome, Stef is building real-time digital twin platforms that help manufacturing leaders drive productivity through smart data analytics. His unique perspective combines deep technical expertise with hard-won lessons about translating complex innovation into compelling business narratives.

Ready to discover how positioning transforms presentation?

This is the most transparent, process-focused episode we've ever recorded. You'll hear the actual feedback sessions, the strategic pivots, and even the naming struggles that come with getting your foundation right.

#UnderTheHood #AutomotiveStorytelling #Positioning #TechFounders #CompanyStory #StartupStrategy

"Under the Hood: Automotive Storytelling" – Where technology meets narrative, and mobility's future is told through visionary voices.

"Under the Hood: Automotive Storytelling" uncovers the human narratives driving innovation in an industry that impacts lives worldwide. Hosted by Stéphane Lagresle, this podcast explores how the power of storytelling ultimately connects technology to humans.